Road Transport Forum chief executive Ken Shirley is calling for the heavy vehicle speed limit to stay at 90km/h while welcoming the Government’s announcement of increased speed limits for other motorists on certain routes.
“Static Roll Threshold is assessed on 90km/h and elevating the heavy vehicle speed to say 100km/h significantly increases the risk of vehicle rollover,” says Shirley.
“Even if you disregard safety for a moment, once a heavy vehicle is much above 90 km/h economic efficiency is greatly reduced anyway. Most operators know this,” he says.
“It is far more important to have a reliable steady cruise with minimal interruptions,” says Shirley.
“The wider speed differential also provides motorists with safer passing opportunities and may lead to less frustration with heavy trucks on expressway routes,” he says.
“We look forward to meeting with Minister Foss shortly and discussing the wider speed differential and the Speed Management Guide with him,” says Shirley.
